Hinged golf club bag

ABSTRACT

A lightweight golf club bag having a pair of side arm members secured to a common cross member whereby at least one of the arms may be alternately pivoted in directions away from and toward the other arm to provide extended and contracted positions for the bag. In the extended position of the bag the golf clubs may be efficiently stored or supported in a substantially upright position and in the contracted or closed position of the bag the clubs may be easily transported.

United States Patent [1 1 [1 1 3,779,297 Stammer Dec. 18, 1973 HINGEDGOLF CLUB BAG Primary Examiner-George E. Lowrance [76] Inventor: John S.Stammer, Rt. 3, Box NP51,

- ASSISHZHI Examiner-Stephen P. Garbe Longv|ew,.Tex. 75601Att0rney-W1ll|am S. Dorman [22] Filed: May 26, 1971 [2]] App]. No.:147,068 [57] ABSTRACT A lightweight golf club bag having a pair of sidearm [52] US. Cl ISO/1.5 R b r ecur d to a common cross member [51] Int.Cl A63b 55/00 h b at l st o e of the arms may be alternately [58] Fieldof Search 150/15 R, 1.5 B, ivot d in dir tions away from and toward theother 1.5 C arm to provide extended and contracted positions for thebag. In the extended position of the bag the golf References Cited clubsmay be efficiently stored or supported in a sub- UNITED STATES PATENTSstantially upright position and in the contracted or 2,502 627 4 1950Martin ISO/1.5 R closed Position of the bag the Clubs may be easily2,837,346 6/1958 Chambless ISO/1.5 B x transported- 2 989,3l9 6/l96lNorthrop ISO/L5 R X 2,422,315 6/1947 Robinson 150/15 B 3 Clam, 5 DrawmgF'gures 34 &

o 24 Q8 52 Z2 24 I n a f I-IINGED GOLF CLUB BAG This invention relatesto improvements in golf club bags and more particularly, but not by wayof limitation, to a hinged golf club bag which may be alternatelyextended and collapsed for facilitating supporting of the clubs andtransporting of'the clubs.

Golf players usually carry a plurality of golf clubs while playing thegame, as is well known, and the clubs are normally carried and. storedin a common carrier device or bag. The combined weights of'the clubs andbag may be somewhat great and as a result many golfers hire caddies orrent golf carts of various types to facilitate carrying the bag of clubsthroughout the golf course during the playing of the game. Golf isextremely popular and not only is the hiringof acaddy or renting of golfclub bag carrying devices expensive, but also many times there may be nocaddies or carts-available. Consequently, it is desirable to have alightweight golf bag for facilitating carrying of clubs by the person orgolfer himself. These lightweight bags, however, have certaindisadvantages in that it is usually difficult to stand or support thebag and clugs in an'upriglitposition when the clubs are being stored orwhen the golfer is removing or replacing the clubs in the bag. Asaconsequence, the golfer frequently must lay the bag and clubs on theground, and must stoop: to: either remove or replace a club therefrom,or to removera. golf ball or the like therefrom, andmust stoop in orderto retrieve the bag when it is desired to move to a new location on thegolf course.

The present invention contemplates a novel light weight golf club bagwhich is particularly designed-and constructed for efficientlysupporting. the clubs in a substantially upright position when desiredfor facilitating removal and replacementof theclubin the bag, and forfacilitating carrying of the clubs and. bag during transporting thereof.The novel bag comprises a'pair of side arm memberssecuredtoa-commzoncross member with at least one of the arms beingpivotally or hingedly secured to the cross member whereby the arms maybe easily pivoted-in directions away from andtoward'each other toprovide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag. In theextended position of the arms, the bag is of a substantially A-shaped'cross-sectional configuration and may be disposed one surface, such ason the ground, in a manner providing a'sturdy substantially uprightsupport of the clubs contained therein.-

whereby the clubs may be easily removedand replaced. without stooping.In the collapsed position of thearms the cross-sectional dimension ofthe bag is maintained at a minimum for greatly'facilitating carrying ofthe bag and clubs contained therein.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novellightweight bag for carrying and storing golf clubs in a mannersubstantially eliminating. undesirable stooping during handling thereof.

It is another object of this invention toprovide anovel lightweight golfclub bag which maybe easily. extended for efficiently supporting theclubs in a substantially upright position when desired.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novellightweight golf club bag for supporting. the clubs in a manner greatlyfacilitating removal-from and insertion of the clubs into the bag.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel lightweightgolf club bagwhich is collapsible for facilitating transporting. of theclubs.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novellightweight golf club bag which is simple and efficient in operation andeconomical and durable in con struction.

Otherand further-objects and advantageous features of the presentinvention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with adetailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of a golf club bag embodying theinvention and depicted in an extended position.

, FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of a golf club bag embodying theinvention and depicted in a collapsed position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational' view of a golf club bag embodying theinvention in position for being transported or carried. 7

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a golf club bag embodying the invention withportions thereof omitted for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a golf club bag embodyingthe invention.

' Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generallyindicates a golf club bag comprising a supportplate or cross member 12having a pair of oppositely disposed side arms or side members 14 and 16secured thereto in; a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. Asuitable flexible handle member 18 hasone end' thereof secured to oneend of the cross member 12 in any well known manner, such as by a claspmember 20, and extends therefrom for connection at the opposite endthereof with a pair of suitable flexible connecting strap members: 22and 24. The strap members 22 and 24 are connected between the handle 18and the side members 14 and 16, respectively, in any suitable manner asshown at 26 and 28 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Thehandle 18' and straps 22 and 24' are preferably constructed from asuitable fabric, such as a canvas material, or leather, or plastic, orthe like, but not limited thereto.

Whereas the arm members 14 and 16 may both be hingedly secured to theopposite sides of the cross member 12 in any suitable manner, as shownherein the arm 14 is hingedly secured to the cross member and the arm 16is rigidly secured thereto as will be hereinafter set forth. Inaddition, the arm members 14 and 16 may be of any suitable constructionand as shown herein the arms 14 and 16 comprise a pair of substantiallyrigid back. plate members 30 and 32 connected at one end by a flexibleconnecting web 34 which is disposed across the upper or exposed-surfaceof the cross member as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the rigidmembers 30 and 32 are suspended from the opposite sides of the crossmember 12 to form the supporting member or back up member for the arms14 and 16. Of course, the plates 30 and 32 are preferably constructedfrom a lightweight material, such as reinforced fabric, plastic, or thelike, and a suitable frame (not shown) may be provided foreach arm 14and 16 for strengthening thereof. The plate 30'is hingedly secured tothe lower or under surface of the cross member 12 in any suitable mannersuch-as by a hinge member 36, or a plurality of hinge members. The hinge36 may be of any suitable type but as depicted herein is preferably ofthe type provided with spring means in the hinge pin area 36'- thereofwhereby the arm 14 is constantly urged in a'cirection away from the arm16 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Of course, the springmay be eliminated, if desired. The plate 32 is preferably rigidlysecured to the cross member 12 and may be reinforced or strengthened bysuitable gussets 33. The plate 32 is preferably substantiallyperpendicular to the cross member 12, but is not limited thereto. Inaddition, a zippered storage bag 38 may be suitably secured between thearms 14 and 16 and in the proximity of one side thereof as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4 for storing sweaters and the like therein.

The outer or exposed surfaces of the plates 30 and 32 are provided withsubstantially identical pouches or club receiving bag members 40 and 42,respectively. The pouches 40 and 42 are preferably constructed from asuitable lightweight flexible material, such as canvas, or other plasticor fabric, or the like, as desired. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, thepouches or club receiving portions 40 and 42 are provided with aplurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending valleys 44which are stitched, glued, or otherwise secured against the outersurface of the plates 30 and 32, respectively. This provides a pluralityof individual of separate compartments 46 and 48 on the pouches 40 and42, respectively. An individual or separate tube or sleeve 50 isdisposed in each of the compartments or pockets 46 and 48 as clearlyshown in the drawings for receiving the shank or shaft of an individualgolf club (not shown) therein. The tubes 50 are preferably constructedof a lightweight plastic material, or the like, but not limited thereto.Of course, the shafts of the golf clubs may be inserted directly intothe pockets 46 and 48, if desired, but as a practical matter is has beenfound that the clubs are easier to insert and withdraw from the pocketsif the tubes 50 are provided therein.

It is to be noted that substantially any desired number of the pockets46 and 48 may be provided on the pouches 40 and 42, but it is preferableto provide seven of the pockets on each arm 14 and 16, thus providingfor the carrying of a maximum of 14 clubs, which is the maximum a golferor player is legally allowed to carry in a golf bag.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another type of pouch construction is depictedwhich may be preferred. In this embodiment the pouches indicated at 40aand 42a are of a relatively loose type construction and comprises aseparate relatively large compartment for each arm 14 and 16. Aplurality of sleeves or tubes 50a are inserted longitudinally in thepouches 40a and 42a and are retained therein by frictional engagementbetween the adjacent tubes and the pouch material itself. As shown inFIG. 5, four of the tubes 50a may be provided for each pouch 40a and42a, or the pouches 40a and 42a may be of a larger or smaller size forreceiving a greater or lesser number of tubes of sleeves 500, asdesired. Of course, the shank of the golf clubs (not shown) may beinserted within the tubes 50a in the manner as hereinbefore set forthfor being supported by the bag 10.

Each arm 14 and 16 is provided with a protective end member 52oppositely disposed from the cross member 12. The end members 52 may beconstructed from any suitable weatherproof material, such as leather, orthe like, to protect the bag from damp ground or other adverseenvironmental conditions. The arms 14 and 16 may be provided with aplurality of removable spike members (not shown), if desired, spacedalong the lower edge of the arms 14 and 16 in a manner precludinginterference with each other. The spike members facilitate supporting ofthe bag 10 on an earthen surface, or the like, by penetrating the earth54 when the bag 10 is in the substantially upright supporting positionfor the clubs. I

A convenient bag or zippered pocket 58 of any suitable or well knowntype is preferably provided on the upper or exposed portion of theflexible member 34 which extends across the cross member 12, and may besecured thereon in any well known manner (not shown). The bag 58 may beutilized for the storage of golf balls and other golfing accessories asdesired and as well known. In addition a suitable apertured flange 56may be provided on the device 10 for storing tees and the like. Ofcourse, means may also be provided on the device for storing scorecards, pencils, and the like, if desired.

When the bag 10 is to be used as agolf club carrier, the golf clubs (notshown) may be inserted in the pockets or tubes or 50a as hereinbeforeset forth. In order to transport the clubs and the bag 10, the handle 18may be manually grasped, whereby the weight of the clubs and bag causethe handle 18 to assume a position relative to the sides 14 and 16similar to that shown in FIG. 3. This pulls the straps 22 and 24 in andoutwardly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The straps 22 and 24 pull the sidearms 14 and 16 in a direction toward each other and provide a collapsedposition for the bag 10 as shown in FIG. 2. This provides a minimumoverall dimension for the bag 10 and the handle 18 may be readily placedor slung over the shoulder of the golfer for being carried around thegolf course in the well known manner.

When the golfer is desirous of depositing the bag and clubs on theground in order to select a club and remove the club therefrom, the arms14 and 16 may be readily moved in directions away from each other to theextended position shown in FIG. 1. It will be readily apparent that thestraps 22 and 24 limit the outward movement of the arm 14 with respectto the arm 16 to prevent a complete separation thereof and to provide asubstantially A-shaped cross-sectional configuration for the bag 10. Itwill be readily apparent that the clubs (not shown) inserted within thetubes 50 or 50a will be supported in a substantially upright positionwhereby they may be easily removed from the bag 10 without the necessityof stooping for grasping thereof. In addition, the balls or otheraccessories (not shown) stored in the bag 58 are readily accessiblewithout the necessity of stooping therefor. Subsequent to the use of theparticular club selected, it may be replaced in its particular pocket ortube, the handle 18 may once again be manually grasped for picking upthe bag 10 and clubs without the necessity of having to stoop or bend,thus greatly facilitating the overall handling of the bag 10.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present inventionprovides a novel lightweight hinged golf club bag which may bealternately extended and contracted for facilitating the storing and thetransporting of golf clubs. The novel bag is of a lightweightconstruction for enhancing the use thereof, and is particularly designedand constructed for substantially eliminating any,stooping or bendingwhen selecting or replacing a club therein, or upon retrieving the bagfrom the stored or extended position thereof.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relationto the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other andfurther modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, maybe made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pairof side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member,at least one of said arm' members being hingedly secured to the crossmember and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm toprovide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, clubreceiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on thebag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with thehandle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in saiddirection away from each other and for facilitating movement of the armsin said direction toward each other, end cover means provided on eachside arm member for protection of the bag upon disposition thereof on asurface in the extended position of the bag, and wherein the clubreceiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member,tube means disposed in the pouch means and extending longitudinallytherein for slidably receiving the clubs, and wherein the meanscooperating with the handle means comprises strap means connectedbetween the handle means and each side arm member for facilitatingmovement of the side arm members in said direction toward each other andfor limiting the movement of the side arm members in the said directionaway from each other, and accessory bag means provided on the supportingcross member.

2. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pairof side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member,at least one of said arm members being hingedly secured to the crossmember and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm toprovide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, clubreceiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on thebag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with thehandle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in saiddirection away from each other and for facilitating movement of the armsin said direction toward each other, said last mentioned meanscomprising flexible strap means secured between the handle means andeach side arm member, said strap means cooperating with the handle meansin one position therebetween for pulling the side arm members in adirection toward each other, and said strap means limiting the movementof the side arm members in directions away from each other in theextended position of the bag.

3. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 and including endcover means provided on each side arm member for protection thereof upondisposition of the bag on a surface in the extended position of the bag.

4. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 and includingaccessory storing bag means provided on the golf club bag.

5. A hinged golf clug as set forth in claim 2 wherein the club receivingmeans comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member forreceiving the clubs therein.

6. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 5 wherein tube means isprovided in the pouch means for receiving the clubs therein.

7. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 5 wherein a plurality oftube means extends longitudinally in the pouch means, each of said tubemeans slidably receiving a club therein.

8. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 which is constructedof a lightweight material.

1. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pairof side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member,at least one of said arm members being hingedly secured to the crossmember and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm toprovide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, clubreceiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on thebag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with thehandle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in saiddirection away from each other and for facilitating movement of the armsin said direction toward each other, end cover means provided on eachside arm member for protection of the bag upon disposition thereof on asurface in the extended position of the bag, and wherein the clubreceiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member,tube means disposed in the Pouch means and extending longitudinallytherein for slidably receiving the clubs, and wherein the meanscooperating with the handle means comprises strap means connectedbetween the handle means and each side arm member for facilitatingmovement of the side arm members in said direction toward each other andfor limiting the movement of the side arm members in the said directionaway from each other, and accessory bag means provided on the supportingcross member.
 2. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting crossmember, a pair of side arm members secured to the opposite sides of thecross member, at least one of said arm members being hingedly secured tothe cross member and movable in directions away from and toward theother arm to provide alternate extended and collapsed positions for thebag, club receiving means provided on each side arm, handle meansprovided on the bag for facilitating carrying thereof, and meanscooperating with the handle means for limiting the movement of the armmembers in said direction away from each other and for facilitatingmovement of the arms in said direction toward each other, said lastmentioned means comprising flexible strap means secured between thehandle means and each side arm member, said strap means cooperating withthe handle means in one position therebetween for pulling the side armmembers in a direction toward each other, and said strap means limitingthe movement of the side arm members in directions away from each otherin the extended position of the bag.
 3. A hinged golf club bag as setforth in claim 2 and including end cover means provided on each side armmember for protection thereof upon disposition of the bag on a surfacein the extended position of the bag.
 4. A hinged golf club bag as setforth in claim 2 and including accessory storing bag means provided onthe golf club bag.
 5. A hinged golf clug as set forth in claim 2 whereinthe club receiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side armmember for receiving the clubs therein.
 6. A hinged golf club bag as setforth in claim 5 wherein tube means is provided in the pouch means forreceiving the clubs therein.
 7. A hinged golf club bag as set forth inclaim 5 wherein a plurality of tube means extends longitudinally in thepouch means, each of said tube means slidably receiving a club therein.8. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 which is constructedof a lightweight material.